Xref – choosing our Path Type

We discussed What is Xref? Why should we use it? And learned First step of How to attach Xref? It is time to continue learning how to use Xrefs effortlessly.

Another important setting of External References is Path type. It is important to choose it wisely to minimize some confusion later on.

Now upon inserting an Xref we are presented with 3 options related to Path Type – No path, Full Path and Relative path.

Path Type.JPG

  1. No path – When we attach an external reference with No path, AutoCAD will first look for the xrefs in the folder of the host drawing.
    For example: If we have all our drawings in one folder, including TITLE BLOCK drawing we will be Fine.
    Nopath.jpg
    If we move our TITLE BLOCK.dwg to folder “Xrefs” for example AutoCAD won’t find it.
    Moved.JPG
  2. Full path – When we attach Xref with full path, Xref’s location is saved to host drawing. This is precise but not very versatile. If we move our project folder, AutoCAD won’t find any Xrefs that are attached with Full Path.
    Note: If references are in the same folder as host drawing AutoCAD will still be able to find them just like No path option!
    For example: We have our drawings in folder “drawings” and our TITLE BLOCK is in folder “..drawings/Xrefs” if we move folder “drawings” somewhere on the disk or on external drive AutoCAD won’t find our TITLE BLOCK external reference.Moved old.jpgFolder moved.JPG
  3. Relative path – When we attach Xref with a relative path, Xref’s location will be relative to the host drawing. This is most versatile, if we move our project folder AutoCAD can find Xrefs attached with relative path, as long as their location relative to the host drawing has not changed.
    For example: If we have our drawings in folder “drawings” and our TITLE BLOCK is in folder “..drawings/Xrefs” we can move our “drawings” folder wherever we want and still have connection to our TITLE BLOCK.

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